Boosung Kwak – Accepted to UC Berkeley. Boosung has been a student at SPASH since Grade 7. Now as a senior, he has been accepted into two prestigious universities: UCLA and UC Berkeley. After careful consideration, he has decided to commit to UC Berkeley to major in Chemical Engineering.
“I’ve felt a profound interest in chemistry since Grade 10. Ms. Alicia Drapkin, one of my favorite teachers, triggered me to embrace curiosities about chemical reactions and immerse into the subject, ultimately pursuing the path of a chemical engineer.”
When asked about why he chose UC Berkeley, Boosung explained:
“I’m a type of person who does not avoid challenges but rather embraces and appreciates uncomfortable obstacles. I push myself to the limit and look for opportunities. Sometimes, the decisions put me to encounter unprecedented struggles. But, that’s how I become a better version of myself.”
For Boosung, getting accepted to both UCLA and UC Berkeley was ambivalent, excited but worried:
“A number of emotions inundated me simultaneously. On one hand, I felt surprised and elated in a sense that all the effort and dedication are finally paid off with these unexpected acceptances. On the other hand, I felt uncertain and honestly afraid to take this another-level challenge in my life for a while. But, I decided to take this rare opportunity, looking forward to learning and experiencing things I’ve never done before.”
On top of the commitment to UC Berkeley, Boosung highlighted:
“Without being able to consult with Mr. Gus, a wonderful college counselor at SPASH, I dare not imagine getting acceptances from any of the colleges that I applied to. He’s not only supportive academically but also pleasant to relate with. I deeply appreciate his consistent support throughout my high school life. And, I’m also grateful for Ms. Yen’s assistance in keeping track of activities and awards. I was fortunate to spend my high school years with these pivotal individuals.”
When asked about the struggles involved in college applications, Boosung commented:
“College applications required me to be more creative, thoughtful, and focused than ever before. Most of the time, I was constantly searching for new ideas, stories, and structures. The fact that there is no perfectly fit answer in college application essays that reflect myself as a competitive and attractive candidate stumbled me to keep seeking for better subject matters when it was time to take a break. It was painful but definitely a positive and constructive stress.”
When asked about tips to share, Boosung mentioned:
“In the world, there are numerous individuals who are more academically exceptional and superb than I am. But, I am the only one who can be who I am today and will be tomorrow.”
He wanted to express his gratitude towards a number of faculty members at SPASH.
“I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude towards all the faculty members who guided me to become a better version of myself as a student and a human being. Special shoutout to Mr. La Roi, Ms. Stacey, Coach Pop, Mr. Gus, Madame Lorraine, Ms. D, Mr. Jesse, Ms. Shannon, Ms. Huyen, Mr. Kevin (my first teacher at SPASH in G7 advisory), Mr. Steven, Ms. Lauren, Mr. Garza, Cô Trang, Mr. North, Coach Coop, Coach Russ, Mr. Toby, Mr. Ethan, Mr. Mack, Mr. Shiers, Ms. Annie, Ms. Park, Ms. Oshida, Ms. Yen, Mr. Sean, Mr. Jaebang!”
Looking ahead the campus life at UC Berkeley, Boosung expressed:
“I am ready to be challenged either academically or culturally. Honestly, whatever form of the challenge it’d be, I will take it. Even if it takes a number of setbacks and failures, I value the lessons I would learn from the challenges. On the other hand, I’m quite excited to socialize and network with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It’d definitely broaden my vision and attitude towards my life.”
Finally, Boosung advised younger students at SPASH:
“Do not be afraid of taking opportunities – which are sometimes considered as risks, responsibilities, or burdens. Opportunities themselves do no benefit or harm. But, taking action with those opportunities is the one that makes you stronger over time.”
Boosung will bring his academic journey at SPASH to an end at the senior graduation on May 30th, 2025. Even though he won’t be physically present at the campus anymore, he left his contact information for any younger students who seek for any comments in terms of preparing college applications or campus life in the US.
Email: bsung00@berkeley.edu
